Fergie describes Christmas with the royals as “exhausting”
Although Christmas with the Royal Family would be a celebration like no other, Sarah Ferguson has claimed the festive gathering at Sandringham is “exhausting”.
The 59-year-old ex-wife of Prince Andrew and mother of Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, spent many Decembers partaking in the family’s traditions while she was married into the family from 1986 until 1992.
Despite many fans watching the royals’ annual parade to St Mary Magdalene Church in Norfolk on Christmas Day, Fergie has said that the day is less exciting than what it seems.
According to New Idea, Fergie said that Christmas celebrations were draining as the Queen didn’t relax on royal protocol and each guest is expected to follow strict rules.
The Duchess of York said she had to change her outfit seven times over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in order to wear a new outfit for each separate event.
A change of outfit is reportedly required for the Christmas Eve banquet, Christmas Day breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and casual change of clothes for walking the grounds.
This Christmas also marks Duchess Meghan’s mum, Doria Ragland’s, first visit to Sandringham for the Christmas season.
According to royal expert Jean Broke-Smith, Doria Ragland will have to prepare herself for a unique celebration.
“There will be advisors on hand to help Meghan’s mum Doria Ragland, but it is going to be difficult,” the advisor and judge on Australian Princess told New Idea.
“For one thing she will need to bring a trunk full of clothes from California.”
The thoughtful gesture by the Queen to invite Doria to Christmas at the palace is a first for the royals, with the Middletons never receiving the invite before.
“It’s a mark of the Queen’s respect for Meghan and an acknowledgement that she doesn’t have any other relations in this country – unlike Kate who has the support of a very close family,” the Express previously reported.